Helen hi your not being a cry-baby, I'm 17yrs down the line and every day has been a struggle without respite. (ex Soldier so have a fight thru attitude to all this but after 17yrs it's worn me very thin) an only this March 2012, that I discovered Arachnoiditis and at no point has anyone ever mentioned this to me, only my own researching and doggedness have I found out about it and have finally an MRI since 1995 tomorrow 10th Sept 2012. so hoping at least confirmation and how far gone my condition is, albeit there's no cure but will help me get better management of the condition an not be stuck in this grey area "lower back pain syndrome the military seem to tar people with".
I do hope you get some respite and relief.
Regards
22bad4u